Clarke has been celebrated as one
of the greatest cornetists of his time. He was also an excellent composer,
accomplished arranger, conductor, and violHerbert Lincoln CLARKE (1867-1945)
Clarke has been celebrated as one
of the greatest cornetists of his time. He was also an excellent composer,
accomplished arranger, conductor, and viol
His skills continued to improve as
he worked jobs in Toronto and Indianapolis, where his family relocated. He
auditioned for Patrick S. Gilmore’s Band in 1892 and was selected as the
band’s cornet soloist. Six years later, he became the solo cornetist for the
Sousa Band. Clarke served in that position or as assistant conductor for most of
the period until 1917, when he retired to a life of teaching and conducting. He
travelled over 800,000 miles with such musical organisations as Gilmore's Band,
Innes' Band, Victor Herbert’s Band, John Philip Sousa's Band, and many under
his direction. He performed over 6,000 cornet solos including 473 in one season.
Clarke made 34 tours visiting 14 different countries. He also conducted
Sousa’s Band in over 200 recordings and recorded most of his own solo cornet
compositions.